Former Winnebago Co. GOP Chairperson arrested on felony charges

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Former Winnebago County Republican Central Committee Chairperson Eli Nicolosi is arrested on felony charges after he allegedly attacked a man Sunday night.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Winnebago County, Nicolosi’s wife called 9-1-1 saying her husband beat up her boyfriend at the family’s Loves Park home around 11 p.m. Sunday. By visiting the home, Eli Nicolosi violated an order of protection filed by his wife.

Nicolosi then left the home and was pulled over on Riverside Boulevard and I-90 without incident. According to police, the man at the home was taken to Javon Bea hospital with injuries including a ripped ear lobe, a large black eye, scratches and a bite on the back. Nicolosi was charged with home invasion, aggravated battery and violating an order of protection.

Nicolosi was the WCRCC chair for two years before he was replaced by Paul Hofmann in August. Nicolosi also ran as a state senate candidate before he was defeated in the June 28 primary election.

Hofmann made the following statement after Nicolosi’s arrest:

“This is a difficult, tragic and personal difficulty for the Nicolosi family. We are deeply concerned for all those involved. We are praying for peace, justice and recovery for the injured.”

Nicolosi’s bail is set at $10,000. His next court date is at 9 a.m. on November 2.

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